What should I do if otitis media is causing pus discharge?

Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Otitis media refers to various inflammations of the middle ear cavity, primarily bacterial inflammation. These bacteria are mainly Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Otorrhea in otitis media indicates relatively severe inflammation and the occurrence of a tympanic membrane perforation, allowing the purulent discharge to be expelled from the ear. In addition to indicating severe inflammation of otitis media, it is necessary to use antibiotics to control the infection. This can include topical antibiotic ear drops like compound polymyxin B ear drops and oral cephalosporin antibiotics, as well as intravenous infusion of cephalosporins to treat the infection.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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Does otitis media spread?

Otitis media is a common and frequent disease in the field of otorhinolaryngology, mainly caused by bacterial infections, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, otitis media is generally not contagious. In certain situations where families live closely together, it is possible for two children to be sick at the same time; however, this is often related to the living environment or other upper respiratory infections, which does not indicate that otitis media is contagious. On the other hand, some specific infections may be contagious, such as tuberculous otitis media. The secretions from tuberculous otitis media are contagious, so it is important to differentiate between types of otitis media to determine whether they are contagious. Generally, otitis media is not contagious.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How to check for otitis media

Otitis media is a common and frequently occurring disease in our department of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery. It is an inflammatory disease of the middle ear. There are many clinical examination methods, mainly the following: First, we use our forehead mirror to directly visualize the external auditory canal, tympanic membrane, and tympanic cavity. That's one method. Next, we can examine our middle ear using instruments such as an otoscope or an endoscope, which allow direct observation of the middle ear structure and the tympanic membrane. The third examination focuses on the auditory function in otitis media. We can conduct pure tone audiometry and check acoustic impedance to assess the condition of our hearing function. Additionally, we perform imaging studies, such as a CT scan of the temporal bone or mastoid to observe the condition of our middle ear cavity.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu
Otolaryngology
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How is acute otitis media treated?

Acute otitis media is caused by bacterial infection. It is an infectious inflammation of the middle ear chamber, eardrum, or mastoid cavity. Since it is a bacterial infection, the primary treatment choice is anti-infection therapy, specifically the use of antibiotics. Currently, in clinical practice under the guidance of a doctor, cephalosporin antibiotics are mainly used. At the same time, certain antibiotic ear drops should not be used, such as ofloxacin ear drops and lomefloxacin ear drops, especially in cases of acute otitis media with severe symptoms like fever and headache. Based on the condition, we also consider anti-infection treatment through infusion. Infusion refers to the intravenous use of cephalosporin antibiotics, among others. Additionally, some corticosteroids can be used to enhance the anti-infection effects.

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Written by Xu Qing Tian
Otolaryngology
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Symptoms of Otitis Media Recovery

Otitis media is a common and frequently occurring disease in otolaryngology, which is divided into various types such as acute otitis media, chronic otitis media, and cholesteatoma otitis media. Acute otitis media is often seen in cases of colds or coughs. Patients primarily present with pain and pus discharge from the middle ear. Treatment under the guidance of a physician may include the use of antibiotics and corticosteroids. Additionally, during a cold, it is advisable to avoid forceful nose blowing to prevent retrograde infection to the middle ear. For patients with chronic cholesteatoma otitis media, treatment usually requires radical mastoidectomy to remove the lesion and granulation tissue in the middle ear, thereby restoring the normal physiological environment of the middle ear. Repairing the perforated eardrum can also achieve a cure.

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Written by Li Rui
Otolaryngology
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Can otitis media heal itself?

Some cases of otitis media can recover on their own, mainly depending on the degree of inflammation and the patient's own resistance. If the inflammatory response is mild and the patient’s own resistance is strong, there is a chance for gradual recovery through resistance. However, this situation requires dynamic observation of the changes in the condition. Without treatment, some patients may gradually worsen, and in such cases, timely consideration of medication is necessary. If the inflammatory response is already significant, or if the patient's own resistance is poor, it is generally recommended to promptly perform an otoscopy and cooperate with antibiotics to fight the infection. Generally, the treatment period is about one week.